Mariano Aldanondo STYLE ONE
Mariano Aldanondo
Senior Designer / Architecture
Has been with the firm since 2008.
Mariano studied Architecture and Design at the University of Buenos Aires, where he graduated from in 1999. During his academic career, he worked for several architectural firms as an intern, which taught him valuable experience in working in the architectural industry.
Before joining Aufgang, Mariano relocated to Spain where he worked for two leading architectural firms in the city of Marbella. He then relocated to the United Stated where he has worked in architecture for more than 12 years, joining our firm in 2008.
Mariano is highly experienced in hand renderings, having taken courses in design and drawing while attending a technical high school where he earned the degree of construction manager.
Mariano is a skilled designer and an excellent team player, he believes that working as a team is crucial in order to complete a project, meet specific deadlines, and exceed a client’s expectations.
Outside of work Mariano enjoys drawing, outdoor activities and reading.
Alexandra Abreu-Pina
Alexandra Abreu-Pina, RA, AIA
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Spiros Mentzelopoulos Award for promising design achievements in architecture, 2013
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Iowa State University 2016
- Member: Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter AIA
- Licensed Architect in state of NY
Professional Background: Alexandra’s passion for architecture began during her childhood in Puerto Rico, where she was born and raised. Her family then moved to Canada before settling in New Jersey, and her passion has followed her every step of the way. As a student at Iowa State Alexandra spent a semester abroad in Italy where she studied sustainable design while immersed in the historic architectural styles of Rome and Florence. Alexandra began her career at Aufgang as an intern in the summer of 2015 while she was a student.
Position: As a Project Manager at Aufgang, Alexandra is responsible for project design and development as well as facilitating construction administration.
Personal Life: She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and in her spare time she loves to draw and explore her artistic side. She believes these collective experiences have given her a unique perspective towards architectural design that she carries through to her everyday work.
Accessibility Statement
Accessibility Statement
This commitment to accessibility for all begins with this site and our efforts to ensure all functionality and all content is accessible to all Americans.
Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.
Our ongoing accessibility efforts work toward making Aufgang.com as accessible as possible. Aufgang Architects welcomes comments on how to improve the site’s accessibility for users with disabilities.
Daniela Gonzales
Daniela Gonzales
Assistant Project Manager
Planning and Community Development
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, San Martin de Porres University 2010
- Obtained architectural license while in Lima, Peru, 2015
- Diploma: Digital Media, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Canada, 2018
Professional Background: Daniela has vast experience in both retail and corporate architecture; before moving to the United States, she was an architect for large companies in Peru which specialized in opening stores around the country and also designed innovative office spaces.
Position: In her position, Daniela designs and composes compelling graphic presentations for planning and architectural competitions and municipal approval for projects all over the New York City region. She also prepares zoning and feasibility studies for potential new projects, and expands the social awareness and impact of our public realm design through research.
Personal Life: Daniela also enjoys clay and concrete pottery, has a knack for graphic design and loves to design and explore 3D printing.
Khady Niasse
Khady Niasse
Job Captain
Architecture
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- New York City College of Technology
Professional Background: After returning from Senegal for 11 years to the states, Khady attended the Art & Design High School where her passion for architecture began.
Position: Khady’s position includes production of construction documents, collaborating with consultants in the construction administration phase, and handling the day-to-day needs of an active project.
Personal Life: Her passion for architecture continues to evolve as she enjoys travel to pursue learning about architecture and enjoying cuisines from around the world and exploring many cultures.
Jorge Yparraguirre
Jorge Yparraguirre
Project Manager
Architecture
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- University of San Ignacio in Lima, Peru 2013
- Licensed architect in Lima, Peru
- Working towards obtaining full architecture license in the United States
Professional Background: Jorge has vast experience in design and construction administration for residential, retail, commercial, corporate interiors, and restaurant architecture.
Position: In his position as Project Manager, Jorge oversees all elements of a project’s development, from schematic design through construction documents, guiding consultants, and coordinating with the owner and contractors.
Personal Life: Jorge enjoys traveling and practicing trumpet in his free time.
Muskaan Pathak
Muskaan Pathak
Job Captain
Planning and Community Development
Year Joined: 2023
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Syracuse University 2023
Professional Background: Being from Panama, Muskaan’s passion for architecture began during her childhood there, as she witnessed the transformation of Panama City into a current metropolis. During her time at Syracuse University, she developed an interest in the intersection of law and policy with architecture, which formed the basis of her thesis. She spent a semester abroad in Italy where she studied the classical architecture styles. She was also involved with student organizations that emphasize mentorship, inclusivity, and diversity on campus.
Position: At Aufgang, Muskaan works on projects through detailed zoning analysis and design development. She contributes to early-phase feasibility studies and designs visually engaging materials for potential new projects.
Personal Life: In her personal time, Muskaan enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring new cuisines, and spending time in nature.
Sam LaMontanaro
Sam LaMontanaro, PE, CEM
Director of Engineering
Building Systems Advisory Unit
Year Joined: 2022
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Licensed professional engineer in the state of New York
- Certified Energy Manager
- Certified Green Building Engineer
- LEED Certified
- Member: ASHRAE
- Member: AEE, Association of Energy Engineers
Professional Background: Sam’s first exposure to the construction industry came working at his family plumbing company. There he learned multiple facets of design and construction of various plumbing and mechanical systems. After college Sam started his career at a large firm designing mechanical systems for combined cycle power plants. From there Sam went to the NYC market where he designed MEP systems for mid and high-rise multi family dwellings, commercial office buildings, hotels, medical, and NYC schools. Throughout his 20 years in NYC he has worked in all aspects of project design and administration.
Position: As the Director of Engineering at Aufgang, Sam works with his team to explore new avenues and technologies to help create a more efficient and healthy building environment. He understands that bringing more efficient technology into everyday design will not only save the client money but also conserve valuable energy.
Personal Life: In his spare time, Sam is an avid gardener.
Steve Vlaovich
Steve Vlaovich, AIA, RA
Associate Principal
Architecture
Year Joined: 1997
Education and Certifications:
- Associate’s Degree in Architectural Technology, State University of New York at Delhi
- Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
- Licensed architect in the state of New York
Professional Background: Steve joined the firm in 1997, and over the years he has led the development of a multitude of projects throughout New York City and the surrounding area, including new and existing structures consisting of commercial buildings, community facilities, multi-family residential structures, and educational occupancies of varying sizes. He also has extensive experience in building rehab projects.
Position: As an Associate Principal at Aufgang, Steve is responsible for overseeing the development of varying projects, including initial zoning analysis, project development from schematic phase to construction documents, project management and coordination, agency filings and approvals, and construction site oversight.
Personal Life: In his personal time Steven likes to spend time with his family traveling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Chris Walker
Chris Walker
Project Manager
Planning and Community Development
Year Joined: 2015
Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor of Architecture degree, Syracuse University 2017
- Member: American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS) and the Architecture Student Organization (ASO)
Professional Background: Chris has studied in Florence, Italy and participated in a Concrete Fabrication Convoy study in Switzerland in the summer of 2015. Prior to working with Aufgang, he worked for Real Data Management (RDM) where Christopher surveyed existing buildings and new construction to produce Fire Prevention Plans (FPP’s), Emergency Action Plans (EAP’s) & Sprinkler/Standpipe Riser Diagrams currently utilized by FDNY.
Position: Chris is responsible for developing feasibility studies across the tri-state area and the five boroughs. He works on both As of Right Developments as well as Rezone applications. One of his greatest accomplishments was the successful rezone of Edgemere Commons. The site, once a defunct hospital, is now rezoned for 10 apartment buildings, totaling over 2000 units in approximately 2 million square feet.
Personal Life: Chris enjoys sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He is also a member of a kickball league in Hoboken.